Trailblazing Women: Celebrating the Female Pioneers of Sturgis
Love The thunder of engines echoes through the Black Hills every August, calling riders from every corner of the country to the streets of Sturgis, South Dakota. It’s a loud, rebellious, and free sound that stirs the soul. Beneath the chrome, pipes, and leather lies a deeper history of the women who’ve been carving their own paths through this male-dominated world for decades. As the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally grew, so did the presence of influential women. From the founding days of Biker Belles Women’s Day at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, the original women’s ride celebrating its 18th year in 2026, to the evolution of custom bike culture, their fingerprints are all over the legacy of Sturgis – often hidden in plain sight, but always there. 1. Dorothy “Dot” Robinson One of the earliest legends, Dot Robinson was the co-founder of the Motor Maids and a force in competitive endurance riding. Dot made a statement in her pink riding gear and proved women could ride hard, race smart, and lead from the front. 2. Pearl Hoel Pearl Hoel was the wife of Jack “Pappy” Hoel, who helped organize the very first Sturgis rally in 1938. While Pappy handled the bikes, Pearl built the community. She supported riders, coordinated events, and helped shape the family-like atmosphere that still defines the rally today. Without Pearl, there might not have been a Sturgis as we know it. 3. Gloria Tramontin Struck Gloria Struck rode her first motorcycle in 1941 and never looked back. A proud Motor Maid and lifelong road warrior, Gloria defied expectations and paved the way for generations of female riders. She racked up hundreds of thousands of miles (most of them solo) and even as we approach her 101st birthday in 2026, she continues to be an inspiration. 4. Jessi Combs Jessi Combs was the “fastest woman on four wheels”. She blended motorcycle culture with innovation, speed, and soul. Jessi was a builder, racer, and beloved figure in both motorsports and metalworking. She inspired a new generation of women to take the shop floor, the track, and the backroads by storm. Her fire burns in every woman who dares to break limits. Jessi’s legacy is celebrated each year at Biker Belles where participants can learn from Real Deal Revolution workshoppes like welding and pinstriping, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Jessi Combs Foundation. These women, and many others, each carved their initials into the pavement of motorcycle history. They weren’t just along for the ride, they were building the road beneath us. Their stories live on at the Sturgis Rally and the Sturgis Buffalo Chip and their legacy comes roaring into life each year at Biker Belles Women’s Day. Now in its 18th year, Biker Belles is a celebration of sisterhood, strength, and the stories that keep the wheels turning. On Tuesday, August 11th, all riders are invited to connect, reflect, and ride in honor of the women who’ve shaped this lifestyle. Whether you’re a veteran rider or just gearing up for your first rally, come share your story where theirs still echo. Love
How To Keep Your Stamina for a Two-Week Party
Love“Be young until you’re not, then be young at heart. Then die if you want” – Ghandi (horribly misquoted for point making effect) Not trying to hurt any feelings, but many of us aren’t spring chickens anymore. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but hey, even if you’re getting up there in years, there’s a good chance that you’re still young at heart and chasing a good time as often as life allows. The thing about life is it can sure get in the way of a good time. Jobs, children, responsibilities and your damn co-worker Jim who has the audacity to cook fish in the office microwave—they all get in the way of letting loose and partying your stress away. But this is not the case at the Sturgis Rally. Every August it’s 14 days of no stress, no worries and all the partying you can handle. You just gotta be aware of a few tips for how to keep your stamina for the whole two weeks. 1. Pace Yourself. There’s so much fun to be had at the Rally. Don’t blow your wad all in one 48-hour long drinking contest (DON’T TELL ME HOW TO BLOW MY WAD). Plan your activities out so you can have fun each night and still have energy to ride all day. Pro tip: BuffaloChip.com/events is a great way to get an itinerary down. 2. Hydrate Yourself. This is a big one. It’s August. That means it’s dry and hotter than the devil’s armpit basically always. Not being properly hydrated is a sure way to spend your rally in the hospital instead of having fun with your friends. Drink water often, and drinks with electrolytes, too (It’s got what humans crave). 3. Feed Yourself. This is easy. In another completely B.S. statistic that I just came up with on the spot to make a point: 95% of the time friends gather, it’s to break bread together. Campgrounds like the Buffalo Chip have a plethora of meal choices so you and your buddies won’t have the same menu twice…unless you want to. 4. Caffeinate Yourself. Soooo many ways to give yourself that jolt back to life after a long night with your boys and girls. The Chip, for example, has coffee-a-plenty – The Coffee Crib, Little Coffee Cabin, the Sons of Light Pancake Breakfast (which is free btw) and more. And if that doesn’t work, I’d suggest taking a quick dive in the brisk, early morning water of Bikini Beach at around 6 a.m. Worked well once for a guy with two thumbs (this guy). 5. Stimulate Your Earholes. With music of course. Don’t try stimulating them in some weird, other way. As far as venues go, the Buffalo Chip has multiple stages for music plus the big one, the grand poohbah – The Wolfman Jack Stage where you can see bands like Lainey Wilson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Collective Soul, David Lee Roth, Megadeth, and so many more. 6. The Golden Rule: Don’t Be A Richard. Everyone at the rally is just trying to have a good time. This place should be an escape from fighting, arguments, confrontations and egos. Don’t let your good time get in the way of someone else’s and don’t have a good time at the expense of someone else. So yeah, don’t be a Dick. 7. Have The Party You Want To Have. There’s literally so much to do around the Black Hills in general during the Sturgis Rally. You can have any party you want. You can have any vacation you want. Come with old friends or make a mess of new friends. Make the best of it! And remember, if you’re sober, you can have plenty of fun too sippin’ on some non-alcoholic options and chilling with friends old and new. The people are what really make the party (and the music and bikes, of course). Bonus Tip: Never Let The Fun End. The Sturgis Rally isn’t going anywhere, so be sure to come back year after year to do it all again. Love
Decoding the Madness: What’s Really Going On With The Last Six Festival Posters
Love You’ve seen them—those wild, trippy, sometimes mind-bending festival posters. Maybe you’ve caught yourself squinting at a robot head, a crazed bubble-eyed tongue-lashing blob chasing a masked rider, or a bikini-clad girl riding a white buffalo and wondered, “Am I missing something here… or is the artist just on a one-way binger?” If you’ve ever looked at a festival poster and asked, “What’s with that giant eye squirting rainbow juice all over the band lineup?” or “Why is ZZ Top inside a crystal ball shifter knob?”—you’re not alone. And, surprise, in the case of the last six Sturgis Buffalo Chip posters, there has been a method to the madness. These posters aren’t just chaotic fever dreams cooked up by an overindulged illustrator lost in his sketchbook. Each one actually tells a story—about that year’s upcoming rally, the world around it, and the never-ending battle to keep real, human connection alive in a world gone sideways. So, let’s dive deep into the last six years of Buffalo Chip poster art. Starting with the chaos of 2020, we’ll follow the threads that lead all the way to this year’s 2025 AI-drenched showdown. 2020 – Pandemic Schambemic The only major festival that refused to cancel during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Buffalo Chip caught hell from critics and headlines labeling it a “superspreader.” Bands bailed. Uncertainty loomed. Even death threats came in. But the show went on. The poster by Darren McKeag that year pulled no punches—COVID bugs flopping their lusty tongues literally chased a biker across the artwork. It wasn’t subtle. It didn’t have to be. Outrunning the threat in the search for freedom was the story. 2021 – Crystal Clarity Emerging from the fog of the pandemic with the truth behind us that outdoor festivals could safely gather humans for the enjoyment of humanity, the future looked more certain. CEO Rod Woodruff had kept a crystal ball on his desk, trying to see what was ahead. When the fog had finally cleared, what did he see? A killer lineup, headlined by bands like ZZ Top as the path forward. Moto artist Russell Murchie was tapped to capture that moment of revelation. The result? A rider gripping a crystal-ball shifter, zooming toward freedom, music and motorcycles. Inside the orb? ZZ Top, waiting like a prophecy fulfilled. 2022 – Bat Outta the Graveyard With confidence restored, 2022 roared in like a bat out of hell—literally. Inspired by the iconic Meat Loaf album cover and featuring Rob Zombie as the headliner, the poster took on an apocalyptic theme. Murchie went hard with a fireball-charged chopper flying past headstones engraved with band names. It was part graveyard, part comic book. Zombie’s eerie face loomed in the background like a music god of chaos. If you squinted just right, it gave off Big Brother vibes. But really, it just begged to be stared at with a desire to be on the ride with him. 2023 – A New (Old) Hope Over 40 years earlier, the very first Buffalo Chip Picnic gave bikers exiled from downtown Sturgis a place to gather. That spirit of rebellion, freedom and fellowship continues to fuel the festival today. To honor those roots, the 2023 poster leaned into nostalgia with a heavy nod to Star Wars: A New Hope. A chrome-glinting sunset, handlebars pointed toward destiny and a couple heading off into the unknown. The design said it all: the journey that began in a cow pasture still burns strong. 2024 – Head Explosions & Dream Collisions This one came from a single spark: “What if a biker’s head exploded… but, like, in a beautiful way?” – with all the madness he is looking forward to or had experienced at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. Inspired by the surreal poster for Brazil, the art envisioned a mind-blown rider filled with more motorcycle and music dreams, chaos and memories of the festival than one head can contain. It didn’t matter if the rider’s exploding head was looking forward to the madness or reflecting on it. The line between dream and reality was blurred. Bands, burnouts, and bliss all burst outward, and that was kind of the point. 2025 – AI vs. Analog And now we land in the year of AI—deep fakes, fake art, phishing scams and virtual overload. But the Chip? It’s still 100% real. Flesh, rubber, engines, grit. That contrast is the theme of the 2025 poster. It features a massive android, somewhere between He-Man and Darth Vader, looming over a crowd. Monochrome phone-zombies with red eyes fill the background, while real-life riders burst from the frame in full color, smiling and enjoying each other. A tiny QR code at the center delivers the final wink. Say goodbye to the machine, baby. It’s bold. It’s ironic. It’s kind of terrifying. In a world run by bots, riding your bike to the Chip, hanging with friends, and sweating through a real concert under the stars isn’t just fun—it’s a revolution. So What’s It All Mean? The next time you stare at one of these wild-ass posters, know this: they’re not random. They’re coded reflections of the world we’re living through, the struggles we’ve faced and the grit it takes to keep the party alive. The art may be fantastical, but the feeling it represents? That’s as real as the throttle in your hand. Keep your eye out for the 2026 poster – you know it’s going to be good. Love
Classics & Curiosities: Sturgis Is The Home of Custom Bike Shows
Love If you own a custom bike, you probably love that machine just as much as your significant other (maybe even more amirite?!?). If you don’t own a custom bike, chances are you appreciate customs and the talented builders who turn them out and bring their two-wheeled pieces of rolling art to rallies like Sturgis. The Sturgis Rally is the Custom Motorcycle Mecca. Builders work year-round to turn out new custom creations for Sturgis each year. If Sturgis is the center of the custom motorcycle faith, then the Sturgis Buffalo Chip is its temple. Now in its 46th year of Rally chaos, the Chip hosts a collection of custom motorcycle shows that goes beyond the expected, each one part of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Custom Series. From vintage choppers to foreign eccentricities to pint-sized minibikes with way too much horsepower, these aren’t your average trophy-hunting contests. They’re snapshots of a broader motorcycle culture that are raw, rowdy and radically diverse. Most of them take place in the free-access zones of the Buffalo Chip’s CrossRoads and Camp Zero, making it easy to enter your two-wheel beauty into a show or wander through a forest of custom builds as a spectator. The Sturgis Buffalo Chip Custom Series Presented by Gates Belt Drive returns each year with a gamut of different shows for every type of bike (and biker). And while the lineup changes, one thing never does: the variety. Over the years, the Chip has hosted everything from classics to curiosities. Here are just a few of the custom shows that have rolled through in past Rally seasons: High Octane Bike Show Official Rally Kickoff Show Schools Out Chopper Show Presented by Stoopid Chopper Show The FXR Show and Dyna Mixer Camp Zero Contraption Show Presented by Martian Machine Global Getdown Bike Show Presented by Weems Motor Co. Evo Entanglement Bike Show Presented by Kenny’s House of Horsepower Sportster Showdown and Dirt Drags Presented by Led Sled Customs and Harley-Davidson Biker Belles Women’s Bike Show Presented by Maiden Moto Camp Zero Mini Bike Show Presented by Go Powersports Bikini Beach Invitational Bike Show Presented by Led Sled Customs and Harley-Davidson Pretty Fast Bike Show Presented by Lloyd’z Garage Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show Stay tuned for the 2026 bike show list and schedule! Love
What is the Freedom Celebration?
Love Quick – you have five seconds to come up with your own personal definition of freedom. Kinda hard, isn’t it? Freedom isn’t just a word, it’s a feeling. It’s the open road, the roar of an engine, the ability to live life on your own terms. Behind every moment of freedom we enjoy are the people who defend it – the men and women of our military, our veterans, and first responders. They make it possible for us to live, ride, and celebrate freely. Every year, thousands gather at the Sturgis Rally, not just for the motorcycles, the music, or the camaraderie, but to honor freedom itself. For 36 years, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip has hosted the Freedom Celebration, a day dedicated to saying thank you to those who protect what we hold dear. It’s loud. It’s proud. And it’s unforgettable. Just like the spirit of freedom. The Freedom Celebration isn’t about speeches or politics. It’s about showing gratitude in action. Whether it’s through the cheers of the crowd, the twist of the throttle, or simply taking a moment to reflect, the rally becomes a living tribute to those who keep our freedom alive. Freedom Celebration activities include: Veteran’s Bike Giveaway National Anthem Performance Budweiser Clydesdales Action Tracked Wheelchair Presentation Freedom Field Veteran’s Service Dog Presentation Color Guard Bob Hanson Distinguished Service and Patriot Awards Heroes Honor Ride Bike Presentation When you find yourself at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip on August 13, you’ll see it firsthand: a community coming together to honor the brave men and women who allow us to ride free and where freedom isn’t just a concept, it’s defended, cherished, and celebrated. Learn more about the Freedom Celebration here. Love
Breaking News! Watch Found, Skull Still Missing: Sturgis 2025 Lost and Found
Love For the past 44 years, motorcycle and music enthusiasts from across the globe have been packing their party essentials and heading to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip for their vacations. Although the memories stick with them forever, some personal possessions are bound to be left behind after nine days of riding, rocking and round-the-clock shenanigans. Every year, the Chip returns tons of lost items to their rightful owners, but plenty of stuff still remains after the last camper has left the property. In an attempt to reunite more people with their lost items, the Buffalo Chip started publishing their lost and found inventory right after the rally in the Sturgis Rider News blog. The first article in 2014 was an instant hit. It turns out there were more people eager to see all the crazy stuff than there were to get their items back. Now, 10 years into the effort, the Chip has lost count of all the keys, credit cards, IDs, phones, sunglasses, tents, and other common items left behind. But then there’s the uncommon items. Some of the things recorded over the past 10 years have been so strange, they’re forever burned into the collective Sturgis unconscious. Some things can even show up months after the rally… like this running Casio watch found at the bottom of the swimming hole found this year. Seriously, this thing is still ticking after weeks of being 9 feet underwater! “If I could turn back time… if I could find my watch…” or whatever Cher said. Unfortunately, not everything lost will get found. Legend has it, there’s still a big skeleton head missing… maybe someone should’ve been watching it. Anyway, here are 20 more of the wildest things ever left behind after the party, in order of “What the heck?” to “What in the actual F***?” 20. A Giant Game of Connect 4 (Found in 2022) First they lost the match, then they lost the whole game. 19. A Bumper Sticker with an Important Message (Found in 2023) Them’s the rules. 18. The World’s Smallest Pair of Jorts (Found in 2022) Do these classify as “janties” or a “jong”? 17. Tons of Tiny Hands Creating Various Gestures (Found in 2018) A little bird told us that somebody was throwin’ hands. 16. This Bonehead (Found in 2022) Found all alone with no body. 15. This Elusive and Endangered Bikini Beach Gator (Found in 2018) Patrolling the water for crocodiles, a completely different species that prefers salt-water habitats. 14. This Artsy Plaster Corset (Found in 2016) It might not be functional, but at least it’s fashionable. 13. A Pair of Mannequin Legs (Found in 2021) Signed by Slugger, Cowboy and Billy Bob. 12. A Delightful Display of Dicks (Found in 2016) This one goes by Big Richard. 11. A Hulk Fist…attached to this…pole (Found in 2016) What do strippers and giants have in common? They both grind bones to make bread. 10. A Toilet-Papered Chopper (Found in 2018) Maybe its owner wiped out? 9. A Cardboard Cutout of a Guy Whose Vest Reads, “RIP Matt Mackenzie Sturgis 2019 (Found in 2019) As near as we could tell, this is Matt in the cutout, and Matt passed away in a motorcycle accident in late July of that year, possibly en route to Sturgis. Godspeed, Matt. 8. A Dinghy (Found in 2016) Ding-dong ditch. 7. The World’s Sweetest Cat (Found in 2021) His name is Karl now, and he’s living his best life. 6. A Portable Wiener Dangler (Found in 2023) Franks for all the memories during the burnouts behind Bikini Beach! 5. A Knightmare Combo (Found in 2025) A suit of armor, suplex edition. 4. A Fiery Romance Waiting to be Kindled (Found in 2023) May this story be told at their wedding one day. 3. A Partially Used Box of Emergency Underpants (Found in 2022) Doo what you gotta doo to keep partying. 2. She’s Got Leg! She Knows How to Use It! (Found in 2023) Doubles as a beer coozie in a pinch. 1. An Urn Full of Ashes (Found in 2021) RIP Brother. See what else showed up in the Buffalo Chip lost and found in 2025 here! Judging by what we’ve seen, it could literally be anything. Love
How Many People Attended the 85th 2025 Sturgis Rally?
LoveThe 2025 85th Anniversary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Attendance Was Up over 14%. Now that the books have officially closed on another incredible rally, everyone is asking the same question – How big was the 85th Sturgis Rally in 2025? This year’s attendance was up significantly from 2024. In fact, 2025 drew in the largest number of visitors in the last 5 years! Read on to see how the numbers break down. What was the Sturgis Rally Attendance in 2025? SD Department of Transportation reported traffic counts of 537,459. The DOT reported the 2024 Sturgis Rally attendance of 537,459 was up 14% from 2024. According to the official traffic numbers released by the South Dakota Department of Transportation, the 85th Rally in 2025 was significantly bigger than the 84th in 2024, with 470,987 vehicles. The South Dakota Department Of Transportation gathers these numbers from road tube counters placed at nine locations around the Sturgis region. One vehicle is counted for every two axles that hit the counter on their way into town. The full DOT report on the Sturgis Rally can be found on the DOT Website. The South Dakota Office of Highway Safety reports that DUI arrests, misdemeanor drug arrests, felony drug arrests, and non-injury accidents were all down. Citations, warnings, injury crashes, and fatalities were all slightly up from 2024. See more rally statistics from the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety. 2025 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally taxes were up 13% According to the South Dakota Department of Revenue, tax collections at the 2025 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally are currently at $1,581,736, up 13% from 2024’s $1.3 million. 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Dates When is the 86th Sturgis Rally? The 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is scheduled for Aug. 7-16, 2026. Get a jumpstart on 2026 by registering for the rally and receiving your free welcome packet at Sturgis.com/registration. Love
How To Get A Job At The Sturgis Rally
LoveEvery summer, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally turns the Black Hills of South Dakota into a high-octane hub of chrome, leather, live music, and unforgettable memories. But behind the scenes of all that rumbling and revelry is an army of workers—bartenders, cooks, retail clerks, parking crews, security staff, stagehands, merch sellers, and more—who make the magic happen. If you’ve ever thought about working the Sturgis Rally, you’re not alone. Thousands of people look for temporary work each year during Rally Week (and the days before and after), hoping to earn some cash and be part of the experience. Whether you’re after a fast-paced gig, a unique life adventure, or just want to soak up the energy of the event from the inside, here’s how to get started. 1. Start With a Plan: Know What Kind of Work You Want Jobs at the Sturgis Rally fall into all kinds of categories, from food and beverage to merchandise sales to campground staffing. Some positions require experience (like bartending or security), while others just need a strong work ethic and willingness to keep up with the crowd. It helps to know what kind of role you’re after before you apply so you can focus your efforts. Common Rally jobs include: Bartenders and bar backs Food prep and grill cooks Cashiers and salespeople Event setup and tear-down crews Gate workers, wristband checkers Clean-up and sanitation workers Parking and campground attendants Motorcycle wash or detailing services 2. Apply Through Sturgis.com to Reach More Employers Sturgis.com is proud to help connect job seekers with vendors, campgrounds, bars, and businesses that are hiring for the Rally. We’ve set up a simple Rally Jobs Application Form that lets you fill out your basic details, work experience, and job preferences. Here’s how it works: You fill out one form. We share your information with potential employers who contact you directly if they’re interested. You can apply anytime, but the earlier in the season (spring to early summer), the better your chances of landing a job. Keep in mind: Sturgis.com doesn’t hire directly—we act as a hub to distribute your info to those who do hire. The more specific and enthusiastic you are on the form, the more likely you are to catch a vendor’s attention. 3. Apply Directly to the Place You Want to Work While the Rally Jobs form is a great way to get your name in front of many businesses, sometimes the best strategy is to go straight to the source. If you already know a bar, campground, or vendor you’d love to work for—reach out directly! Many of the larger establishments like the Buffalo Chip, Full Throttle, Iron Horse, or popular Main Street bars post job openings on their own websites or social media pages. Check early and check often, especially in May and June. Tip: Have a resume ready, even if it’s short. Include any relevant experience and your availability. A friendly phone call or email can go a long way. 4. Just Show Up (Yes, Really) Believe it or not, some people land Rally jobs just by being in the right place at the right time. In the week leading up to the event, you’ll see “Help Wanted” signs go up all over town—especially in downtown Sturgis, at campgrounds like Glencoe and the Chip, and at roadside vendors. If you’re already in the Black Hills or planning to come out anyway, it doesn’t hurt to walk around and ask. Dress ready to work, bring your ID and Social Security number (many jobs pay cash but still require documentation), and be ready to start immediately. This “boots on the ground” approach works best if: You can arrive a few days early (many places start staffing up before Rally officially begins). You’re flexible about the kind of job you’ll take. You’re staying locally and can commit to a full week or more. 5. Final Tips for Rally Job Seekers Lodging is on you. If you’re coming from out of town, be sure to line up a place to stay—or ask potential employers if they offer employee camping or bunk space. Be ready for long days. The Rally is fast-paced, loud, and non-stop. Most jobs are physical and can run from early morning to late night. Bring the right attitude. Friendly, reliable, and hard-working people tend to get asked back year after year. Even if it’s your first time, showing up on time and doing your job with a good attitude goes a long way. Ready to Rally? Whether you’re looking for a full-week gig, a place to earn some fast cash, or just want to experience Sturgis from behind the scenes, there’s a Rally job with your name on it. Start with the Rally Jobs Application at Sturgis.com, and remember—the best way to get hired is often to talk directly to the businesses you’re most interested in. See you in the Black Hills this August! Love
How to Set Up a Booth at the Sturgis Rally
Love Thinking about becoming a vendor at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally? With hundreds of thousands of riders rolling into the Black Hills each August, it’s one of the most exciting and high-traffic opportunities for businesses of all kinds. If you’ve ever dreamed of setting up your own booth—selling food, gear, services, or souvenirs—you’re in the right place. 1. There is no central gate or single location for the Sturgis Rally. Think of it like Mardi Gras: events and vendors are spread across the entire Black Hills region, not just in the city of Sturgis. The Rally is a regional celebration, not a single fenced-in event. 2. The Rally is a Public Event. As the courts have stated, “The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a pluralistic endeavor promoted by multiple organizations.”There is no single owner or central control—the Rally belongs to the people. Communities, businesses, and private property owners across the Hills host vendors and events. So, How Do you Set Up A Booth? Here’s what you need to do: Find a LocationThere are spaces for rent all over—from downtown Sturgis to campgrounds, private lots, and venues throughout the Black Hills. Downtown Sturgis Main Street will be busy. Sometimes people are too busy to buy. You might be better off on a side street, or at one the big Campgrounds. It’s VERY helpful to come to the Rally at least once, before you try to become a vendor. If you want to vend at one of the biggest concert and rally venues, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, you can find that info here. Get the Correct License Once you’ve chosen a vending location, you’ll need the proper business license(s) based on the jurisdiction: Inside Sturgis city limits? You’ll need a special vending permit from the city. Outside Sturgis city limits? You’ll follow licensing rules for the county or town you’re in (e.g., Meade County, Lawrence County, Rapid City, etc.). Bring Your Own SetupVendors are responsible for their own: Tents/awnings, Tables and displays, Electrical hookups (if not included with your rental), Staff and signage. No ‘Rally-Wide’ Permit RequiredThere is no such thing as a “Sturgis Rally Permit.” There are permits required for for the particular location where you operate. Our Advice: If you’ve never been to the Sturgis Rally, attend at least once first to get a feel for the layout. It’s open and unstructured, with energy flowing across hundreds of miles. There’s no entrance fee or gate—just the freedom to set up and do business in one of the most unique events in the country. While you can set up anywhere, set up where the people are. If your goal is foot traffic, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip is a good bet. Bottom Line: Rent a spot Get licensed where you’re set up Bring your gear Be ready for an unforgettable experience Getting licensed for the 85th Sturgis Rally & Black Hills Rally in 2025 Starts Here. Love
20 Wild & Historical Facts You Didn’t Know About The Sturgis Rally
Love The world-famous motorcycle rally didn’t become legendary overnight. From humble beginnings to headline-making moments, the Sturgis Rally is packed with stories that are as wild as they are historic. Here are 20 fascinating facts through the years that dive into the unexpected, unforgettable, and undeniably bold legacy of the rally that put this small South Dakota town on the map: 1. The 4th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 16-18, 1940) It was the first time maroon printed T-shirts advertising the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally hit the shelves, marking the beginning of rally merch history. 2. The 5th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 1-3, 1941) Pearl Hoel spoke at the gathering about driving the Sturgis Rally Ride chase vehicle to pick up stranded riders, and one time giving their leftover tea to a tourist who needed water for his radiator to cool down his over-heated Ford along Needles Highway. 3. The 6th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 9-11, 1946) Johnny Spiegelhoff was once again named the Sturgis Champion. Photo Courtesy of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame 4. The 7th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 8-10, 1947) The 7th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally had over 400 riders register for the Gypsy Tour. Saturday’s races were successful (Bill Tuman was named the Sturgis Champion), but Sunday’s races were canceled due to heavy rain. Photo Courtesy of Weirs Beach 5. The 9th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 12-14, 1949) This was the first year that Main St. in Sturgis, SD was partially closed off to Motorcycles, but only for 2 hours on a Friday night. 6. The 12th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 8-10, 1952) The 12th Sturgis Rally was the first year of the AMA 5 Mile National Championship Race (to a crowd of 7500!) Photo Courtesy of Cycle World 7. The 13th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 6-9, 1953) The 13th Sturgis Rally was the first rally to run for 4 days. Photo Courtesy of South Dakota Public Broadcasting 8. The 13th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 6-9, 1953) The Motor Maids of America also held their 5-State convention in Sturgis during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Photo Courtesy of Motor Maids 9. The 17th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 8-11, 1957) The 17th Sturgis Rally was the first year of the Hill Climbs at the Jackpine Gypsy’s property. Photo Courtesy of Michael Lichter 10. The 25th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 11-15, 1965) The 25th Sturgis Rally was the first year it was expanded to a 5-day event. This was also one of the first years where housing the visitors became a real problem. Photo Courtesy of American Rider 11. The 32nd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 8-13, 1972) Some of the Gypsy Tours became 8 miles long! The tour was organized into groups over 2 days the following year. Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum 12. The 35th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 4-10, 1975) The Sturgis Rally was expanded to a 7-day format. 13. The 36th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 9-15, 1976) Over 18000 visitors attend the 1976 “Classic”. A few ‘undesirables’ staged sex shows behind back-lit canvases while others poured and lit gasoline across the highway in front of the City Park. The Economic impact that benefited the city of Sturgis was over $1.8 million. 14. The 38th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 7-13, 1978) 1978 was the first time the National ABATE convention was held. 15. The 40th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 7-13, 1978) An estimated 40,000 people attend the Classic, generating rave reviews from local merchants. More than 3,900 registered to camp in the City Park causing some local concern. Photo Courtesy of Gary V Shallbetter 16. The 41st Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 3-9, 1981) Locals proposing to abolish the City’s participation in the Sturgis Rally bring the issue to a referendum. The City’s participation in the rally survives by a slim vote margin, but Sturgis kicks bikers out of City Park and the Mayor states he would like to “get the riff-raff out of Town.” A welcoming place was needed if the rally were to survive. The Buffalo Chip Campground opened its Welcome Home Bikers gates 4 miles outside of town and became the main promoter of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Photo Courtesy of Michael Lichter 17. The 42nd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 2-8, 1982) The Buffalo Chip promotes the Sturgis Rally! That first year the campground was called the Buffalo Chip Picnic, and the grounds consisted of an open field with a few porta potties and a makeshift stage where campers enjoyed three nights of performances by entertainers Johnny Paycheck, Susan Nelson and Foggy Notion. 18. The 47th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (July 31-August 8, 1987) The Sturgis Buffalo Chip expands the Sturgis Rally entertainment to ten days and nine nights of concerts – Black Oak Arkansas and Canned Heat headline. 19. The 76th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 5-14, 2016) Although it had been promoted by other businesses as a nine-night/ten-day event for nearly 30 years, the City of Sturgis council votes to also acknowledge the rally as a ten-day event within the city limits. Photo Courtesy of Autotrader Motorcycles 20. The 78th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (July 31-August 8, 2018) The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and the US District Court ruled the Sturgis Rally is not owned or organized by the City of Sturgis or any single entity. The courts state the Sturgis Rally is “a pluralistic endeavor promoted by multiple organizations.” These court cases began as a trademark dispute about who owns the title “Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.” They additionally brought to light answers to the question of who is the official organizer of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The court stated: “We agree and hold
